fitbody


soned athletes and yoga neophytes to push too hard in the beginning. Dr. Loren Fishman, medical director at Manhattan Physical Medicine & Reha- bilitation, says, “The three leading causes of injury are an overenthusiastic student, improper alignment and poor teaching.” Many aspirants feel they have to master a pose right away; thus, a “Type A” person may have the most potential for injury, observes Sadie Nardini, New York City-based founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga and host of Cable TV’s Viera Living’s daily yoga show, Rock Your Yoga. Some instructors may have a vigorous Type A attitude, as well. “Keep looking if you feel pushed,” she advises. Choosing a style is less important


INJURY-FREE YOGA Proven Approaches for Safe Practice


by Lynda Bassett


Between 15 and 20 million Americans practice yoga, spending an estimated $5.7 billion annually on classes and accessories. National Yoga Month, in September, reminds us to always make personal safety a guiding principle during practice sessions. Experts advise the following guidelines for practicing injury-free yoga.


“L


ike any kind of movement, yoga involves some risk,” says Devarshi Steven Hartman,


dean of the Kripalu School of Yoga, headquartered in Stockbridge, Massa- chusetts. “The level of risk depends on


the individual’s age, physical condition, limitations, emotional state, previous injuries, strength, time of day, aware- ness, type of movement and how much weight bearing is taking place.” It’s not uncommon for both sea-


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than choosing the instructor best suited to the student’s needs. “Finding the right teacher,” says Nardini, “is kind of like dating. Keep looking until you find your match.”


Proven Guidelines Here are some safe approaches and injury-prevention tips from experi- enced yogis. Research the teacher. Investigate


a yoga instructor’s credentials before signing up for a class, advises Meredith Montgomery, a board member of the Yoga Health Foundation and publisher of Natural Awakenings’ Mobile/Baldwin edition. Read the instructor’s biography to verify his or her professional training, certification and level of experience. YogaAlliance.org maintains a well- respected registry of instructors that have been certified as registered yoga teachers (RYT). Analyze the class level. Consider the name of the class, plus the level of advancement. New students may want to begin with a gentle, restorative or yin-type class. To reduce any risk, “Sign up for classes that are one level lower than where you are,” advises Fishman. Ask how many students are allowed in the class; a smaller size means more one-on-one attention. Speak out. “Don’t be afraid to ask


questions,” Fishman emphasizes; get to the class early, introduce yourself to the teacher and perhaps audit vari- ous classes. Good instructors always ask students about their health and fitness history.


Courtesy Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health


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